Local News – Monday, April 8th, 2024
Today, the moon, earth, and sun will align in a total solar eclipse that will pass across a large portion of the United States, including Missouri and the Mark Twain National Forest. The eclipse will be an amazing event, especially in the path of totality. In the Salem Ranger District, the best viewing will be from the Loggers Lake Recreation Area in Shannon County and the Sutton Bluff Recreation Area east of Bunker. There are many places from which to view the 2024 eclipse on the Forest; but please keep safety and courtesy in mind. The Salem Ranger District expect crowds in and around the path of totality, including on the area’s roadways so drive slowly and be alert. If you are going to want to watch the eclipse, protect your eyesight! The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses”. Make sure they are compliant with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard (should be marked on the glasses). If you are going to go to a campsite to view the eclipse, be patient and courteous. Arrive early and leave late. Give yourself lots of time to get to the location. Bring your own supplies and make sure you have enough snacks and water for your entire stay. Don’t park vehicles in tall grass if it is dry outside as hot engines and exhaust can cause fires in dry grass. Also, if you do light a campfire, make sure it is put completely out before you leave. For the last eclipse, most of the traffic happened after the eclipse, so hanging around a while might save you from getting stuck in any traffic jams. The time for the total eclipse in these two areas will be near 1:55 in this afternoon. The maximum time of the total eclipse lasts for four minutes and 12 seconds if you are in the center of the path, but the Salem Ranger District is not in the center of the path. The total eclipse will be much shorter in this area as the Salem Ranger District is on the northern edge of the path.
An accident happened Sunday around 12:00 noon in Shannon County on Route KK about eight miles south of Jadwin. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Ford driven westbound by 29-year-old James Newkirk of Jadwin, traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck a road sign and then overturned. Newkirk suffered moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to the Salem Memorial Hospital. He was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.
Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like the public to be aware that the upcoming solar eclipse may affect driver examination skills testing times. The solar eclipse in Missouri is expected to begin at approximately 12:35 in the afternoon today and reach a total eclipse at 1:55 in most areas. The eclipse will be complete and end at approximately 3:14 this afternoon. Some areas of Missouri will experience a total solar eclipse, while all areas of the state will experience a partial eclipse. It is expected that interest in the solar eclipse will increase both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Drivers who wish to take a skills test today should be aware that driver examination stations may suspend testing during the solar eclipse in the interest of safety. Driver examination stations will post signs at locations today announcing any temporary suspension of testing. Applicants who currently have a scheduled appointment during the eclipse will be contacted and given the opportunity to reschedule.
The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting at 6:00 tomorrow at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call, the board will approve the consent agenda which includes the financial reports, minutes and the budget review. The board will review the scheduled events on the calendar, discuss the monthly reimbursement report and talk about old business including lawn care service, the tower lease information, bids for repair of water damage, hear a repeater install update, and address a bylaws review. In new business the board will discuss the repair and sealing of the parking lot and discuss a handicap ramp. After Chief Floyd gives his report, the board will set the date for the next meeting. Before adjournment the board will go into closed session to discuss personnel. The meeting will then be adjourned. The meeting Tuesday of the Dent County Fire Protection District Board is open to the public.
The Dent County Sheriff’s Office released some reports for the end of March and beginning of April. On Saturday, March 30th, deputies responded to the 500 block of Dent County Road 5070 for a report of property damage. During the course of the investigation, a 50-year-old Salem man was arrested on an outstanding warrant. The victim did not wish to pursue charges against the suspect for the damage. The next day, Sunday, March 31st, a deputy responded to the 800 block of Dent County Road 6400 for a reported theft and property damage. The victim, a 39-year-old Salem man, advised deputies several known subjects had stolen an ATV from him and also had damaged his truck. The investigation is ongoing. On Monday, April 1st, a deputy responded to the 1600 block of Dent County Road 2210 for a reported domestic assault. During the course of the investigation, a 22-year-old Salem man was arrested for assaulting a 20-year-old Rolla woman. The suspect was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was held pending formal charges. The next day, Tuesday, April 2nd, a deputy responded to the 300 block of East First St. for a report of a theft. The victim, a 33-year-old Salem man, advised deputies that several subjects had broken into his storage locker at Double H Storage on Highway 72 and had stolen numerous items. The investigation is pending. If anyone has any information regarding any investigation, call the Dent County Sheriff’s office at 573-729-3241.